REPLY TO DR. GARRABRANT
I agree with Dr. Garrabrant's position on the place of the physical examination in patients with lingual tonsillitis. The purpose of our article was not to question that. It was rather to show the characteristic radiographic appearance of an uncommon entity. Frequently patients seen by otolaryngologists with atypical or unusual symptoms in the neck will have soft tissue views of this area. Although the diagnosis of lingual tonsillitis is easily made by the appropriate physical examination, failure to recognize it as a diagnostic possibility may cause it to be discovered radiographically. Even patients who have known lingual tonsillitis may occasionally have radiographs of the neck to search for possible other pathology. Recognizing the radiographic appearance of this entity will save it from being confused with other abnormalities.